What does "Puja" refer to in Hindu practices?

In Hindu practices, "Puja" specifically refers to a form of worship that involves making offerings to deities, along with prayers and rituals. This practice is integral to Hinduism as it serves as a way to acknowledge and honor divine presence. During Puja, devotees may offer flowers, food, incense, and light, among other items, as acts of devotion and reverence. The rituals can vary significantly based on the specifics of the occasion, the deity being worshipped, and regional traditions, but the central theme remains the act of worship through offerings.

The other options do not accurately encapsulate the essence of Puja. While pilgrimage to holy sites is significant in Hinduism, it does not reflect the ritualistic aspect of worship that Puja embodies. The practice of meditation, while important in various spiritual contexts, is distinct from the active elements of worship found in Puja. Community festivals, although they may include components of worship, encompass a wider array of cultural and social activities beyond the individual or household practice of making offerings to deities. Thus, the defining characteristic of Puja lies in its role as a structured form of devotion involving offerings.